Panic attack is associated with a disturbance in all of the following neurotransmitters except –
**Core Concept**
Panic attacks are characterized by intense fear or discomfort that peaks within minutes, often accompanied by physical symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, and trembling. Neurotransmitters play a crucial role in regulating mood, anxiety, and emotional responses. In panic disorder, alterations in neurotransmitter levels and function contribute to the development and maintenance of symptoms.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, involved in learning and memory. While glutamate dysregulation has been implicated in various psychiatric conditions, such as anxiety disorders and major depressive disorder, it is not directly associated with panic attacks. In contrast, panic attacks are closely linked to disturbances in serotonin (A), which regulates mood and anxiety, and GABA (C), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps calm excessive neuronal activity. Dopamine (D) also plays a role in anxiety and emotional processing, and its dysregulation is thought to contribute to panic attacks.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Serotonin is closely linked to panic attacks, as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used to treat panic disorder. SSRIs increase serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft, thereby reducing anxiety and panic symptoms.
**Option C:** GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate neuronal activity. In panic disorder, GABA dysfunction has been implicated, leading to excessive neuronal activity and anxiety symptoms.
**Option D:** Dopamine dysregulation is thought to contribute to anxiety and emotional processing in panic disorder. Dopamine receptor agonists and antagonists have been explored as potential treatments for panic disorder.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Panic attacks often involve a combination of anxiety, fear, and physical symptoms. The "fight or flight" response, triggered by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, is characterized by increased levels of cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline, which can contribute to panic symptoms.
**β Correct Answer: B. Glutamate**